Like Lotteries, Appeal Of Exhibit Is A Sure Bet

SPRINGFIELD — Students in Illinois public schools might not know it, but they share a common bond with 18th Century troops led by Napoleon as he built his world empire.

Their link: partial funding through lottery ticket sales.

Who would have thought those tiny paper tickets sold in neighborhood stores enjoyed such an illustrious history?

The folks at Bally Manufacturing Corp. have had that idea for at least the last few years, during which they`ve amassed a collection of historical tickets and other lottery memorabilia worth an estimated $1 million.

And they`ve taken the most interesting pieces from their 10,000-piece collection on the road.

The exhibit, which opened Saturday at the Illinois State Museum in Springfield, will be on display until April 16. It has been shown in Chicago and will eventually wind its way through other state capitals.

Politicians in Springfield were invited to view the exhibit privately Wednesday evening. Serenaded by a four-piece band, the guests, including Illinois Deputy Gov. Jim Reilly and Springfield`s Mayor Ossie Langfelder, munched oysters and roast beef from the lavish buffet. Young women decked in giant lottery balls suspended over leotards served libations and greeted guests as they arrived.

Memorabilia generating scrutiny included some of the actual tickets, the oldest dating back to 1744. Those signed by George Washington, in 1768, and John Hancock, in 1765, were enthusiastically examined. Included in the exhibit, which lines the wall`s of the museum`s Arts and Sciences Gallery, are explanations of past lotteries` uses.

Ironically, attempts to finance the American Revolution through a lottery failed when the public perceived Washington`s troops as fighting a losing battle.

Less noble causes also turned to lotteries for funding, such as private individuals trying to get out of debt.

From 1895 to 1964, lotteries were outlawed by the federal government, which charged that they had fallen into abuse.

But tough legislation, state-of-the-art technology, tight security and target marketing improved them to the point that they were approved as an effective ``voluntary tax`` paid for the public benefit.

Bally spokesman Bill Peltier said the company amassed its collection-far and away the world`s largest-by purchasing various individuals` collections.

Though he estimated its value at ``about $1 million,`` he admitted, ``I don`t know how to say what it`s worth because who the hell would want to buy it?``